Method and apparatus for power saving during video blanking periods

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are described for enabling display system power saving during the operation of display devices. An integrated circuit package includes input interface circuitry configured to receive an audio-video data stream having a video signal and timing information and timing extraction circuitry that can identify blanking patterns for the video signal. The package includes timing control circuitry configured to implement a power saving process during the blanking periods of the video signal. The invention further includes methods that support the operation of power saving processes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application takes priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to (i)U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/177,979, filed on May 13,2009 entitled “Flat Panel Display Power Reduction Method” by OsamuKobayashi, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to communication methodologiesand systems enabling display devices to execute power save proceduresduring regular modes of operation. More particularly, methods, software,hardware, and systems are described for implementing power saving whiledisplaying audio-video signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, multimedia networks are relatively unsophisticated in theirmanagement of power saving in display devices. As laptops, electronicnotebooks, and other devices with limited power supplies become moreprevalent the demand for devices having improved power management intheir associated displays increases.

In existing display systems and devices, video signals are transmittedto display devices for display. Such video signals include a pattern ofactive signals and interspersed with blanking periods. During the activeperiods signal information is provided containing displayableinformation. The blanking periods that accompany the active periodsinclude horizontal blanking periods which demarcate line ends for thevideo signal. They also include horizontal blanking periods which aregenerally longer and demarcate frame boundaries for the video signal.During the blanking periods displayable signal is not provided.

During the active portion of the video signal, the transmitteddisplayable video information requires a significant amount of powerconsumption. The blanking periods also require a non-trivial amount ofpower in current implementations. In a low power usage environment, waysof reducing power consumption in all areas can be very advantageous.

While existing systems and methods work well for many applications,there is an increasing demand for display methodologies that enableincreased power savings in a wider range of operational circumstance andwith far greater capacity to fully enjoy the benefits of modernmultimedia equipment, software and devices. This disclosure addressessome of those needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, an integrated circuit package configured to operate in adisplay device. The package includes an input interface circuitryconfigured to receive an audio-video data stream having video signalincluding timing information associated with the video signal. And alsoincludes a timing extraction circuitry configured to identify a blankingpattern for the video signal using the timing information where theblanking pattern comprising active periods and blanking periods. Thetiming control circuitry configured to implement a power saving processso that during the blanking periods of the video signal the power savingprocess instructs selected systems associated with video display toterminate powered operation during the blanking period.

In a system embodiment the invention comprises input processingcircuitry configured to receive an audio-video data stream having videosignal including timing information associated with the video signal andconvert the audio-video data stream to a differential video signal. Thesystem also includes timing extraction circuitry to identify blankingpatterns for the differential video signal using the timing informationwith the blanking pattern comprising active periods and blankingperiods. The system also includes timing control circuitry configured tosynchronize and transmit the differential video signal and to implementa power saving process so that during the blanking periods of thedifferential video signal the power saving process instructs selectedsystems associated with the video display system to terminate poweredoperation during the blanking period. The system can further include aplurality of column drivers in communication with the timing controlcircuitry and configured to receive the differential video signal fromthe timing control circuitry.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention describes a method ofconducting power saving in an integrated circuit package configured tooperate in a video display system. The method includes receiving anaudio-video data stream that includes video signal and timinginformation associated with the video signal. Identifying a blankingpattern, comprising active periods and blanking periods for the videosignal, using the timing information. Implementing power saving so thatduring the blanking periods of the video signal, the power savingprocess enables selected systems to terminate powered operation duringat least a portion of the blanking period thereby reducing powerexpenditures.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a computer implementablemethod, embodied on a tangible computer readable media. The methodcomprising computer readable instructions for conducting power saving indisplay system. The computer readable instructions comprisinginstruction for receiving an audio-video data stream that includes videosignal and timing information associated with the video signal.Identifying a blanking pattern, comprising active periods and blankingperiods for the video signal, using the timing information. Implementingpower saving so that during the blanking periods of the video signal,the power saving process enables selected systems to terminate poweredoperation during at least a portion of the blanking period therebyreducing power expenditures. Such instruction can be configured asfirmware, hardware, or software embodied on a computer readable media.

General aspects of the invention include, but are not limited tomethods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for enablingpower saving in display systems and devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and the advantages thereof may best be understood byreference to the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified embodiment of a display system networkedwith a multi-media source device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a timing diagram illustrating the blanking intervalsand LVDS cycle that can be used to regulate power saving in a displaydevice in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a timing diagram that illustrates power consumption in adisplay device over time.

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram that illustrates the reduced powerconsumption realized by the application of power saving embodimentsoperating in accordance with the principles of the invention of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a system diagram showing the various blocks of a displaysystem implemented in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a system diagram illustrating one approach for obtainingblanking cycle information and then applying it to a power savingapplication in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 6B and 6C show a system diagram illustrating another approach forobtaining blanking cycle information from an encoded MSA and thenapplying it to a power saving application in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a controlled approach to power saving using a systemdiagram to show how one embodiment of the invention can implement powersaving in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating one approach to implementing powersaving in a display system in accordance with the principles of theinvention.

In the drawings, like reference numerals are sometimes used to designatelike structural elements. It should also be appreciated that thedepictions in the figures are diagrammatic and not to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made to particular embodiments of the invention. Examplesof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While theinvention will be described in conjunction with particular embodiments,it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention tothe described embodiments. To contrary, the disclosure is intended toextend to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

Aspects of the invention pertain to methods and systems for enablingpower saving in display devices in electronic systems to includemultimedia systems. In the ordinary operation of such systems, a displaydevice is coupled (directly or indirectly) with a source device thatprovides video content. FIG. 1 illustrates a highly simplified exampleof multimedia network 100 comprising a source device 101 and a display102 linked by a data link 103.

Example source devices 101 include, but are not limited to any devicecapable of producing or transmitting video content. In embodiments ofthis invention, the video content shall be interpreted broadly toencompass any video data configured in any data format. Accordingly,such video content can include, but is not limited to, video, imagedata, animation, text, audio (sound, music, etc.) and interactivecontent, as well as combinations of all of the foregoing. Again, ingeneral, source devices 101 are those devices that capture, generate, ortransmit multimedia (to include video) content. Particular examplesinclude, but are not limited to set top boxes, DVD players, cameras,video recorders, game platforms, computers, HD video devices, VCRdevices, radio, satellite boxes, music players, content capture andcontent generation devices, and many other such source devices beyondthose referenced above. Such devices can transmit video data in a numberor different data formats, including, but not limited to VGA (and itsanalogs), HDMI, DisplayPort, CVBS, as well as many other formats.

Display 102 embodiments of the invention include display supportcircuitry 104 that couple the link 103 (and therefore the source 101) tothe display 102. The display support circuitry 104 enables communicationbetween the display 102 and the source 101.

In embodiments of the invention, the source 101 outputs an audio-videodata stream having video signal and associated timing information. FIG.2 includes a schematic depiction of a video data stream in accordancewith the principles of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction ofa portion of a video data stream 200 transmitted perhaps to the display102 of FIG. 1. The depicted portions of stream 200 schematically depicta blanking cycle for a video signal. Portions 201 define portions of thesignal containing valid video data. Also shown are the horizontalblanking intervals (HBI or H-blanking) 202 which occur at regularintervals. Also shown are the vertical blanking intervals (VBI orV-blanking) 202 which occur at regular intervals and define video frameboundaries. Stream 210 is a depiction of the blanking cycle describedusing differential signaling. The portions 212 associated with theV-blanking intervals contain no data or non-video data. Such non-videodata can comprise useful information or nothing at all.

A number of packet based delivery systems are suitable for use inaccordance with the principles of the invention. In one example, such apacket based delivery and communication scheme is described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/726,794 entitled “PACKET BASED VIDEODISPLAY INTERFACE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF” filed Dec. 2, 2003. Thisdisclosure is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes anddescribes an approach to packet based communications in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention.

Associated FIG. 3 depicts power consumption during the same cycle asdescribed in FIG. 2. The power consumption is greatest during the validdata transmission intervals 301 and drops significantly during theblanking cycles 302, 303. Under current implementations the powerconsumption during these blanking intervals is still quite substantial.Using current approaches, this baseline level 304 of power consumptionis helpful in preventing noise spikes during switching and alsoaddresses EMI (electro-magnetic interference) problems during suchspikes.

The inventors propose that the power during the blanking intervals besubstantially reduced. By shutting down, or selectively reducing powerto, selected circuit elements of the display substantial power savingscan be obtained even during the operation of a display device. FIG. 4 isa simplified illustration of such power savings. In this example, thepower in the blanking intervals 401, 403 is reduced. In the depictedembodiment, the power usage is reduced to zero. In other embodiments,the power reduction need not be so extreme. In any case, the averagepower is reduced enabling a power saving that is substantially greaterthan the prior art.

One apparatus embodiment for implementing power saving is illustrated inFIG. 5. A depicted arrangement of components includes an audio-videosource device 501 connected to input interface circuitry 511 using adata link 502. The source 501 can be one of many different typeaudio-video systems. DVD players, set top boxes, game consoles, and ahuge array of other devices known to persons of ordinary skill in theart. Such devices 501 can transmit data in accord with any of a numberof different data formats and/or interfaces including, but not limitedto HDMI, CVBS, VGA, DisplayPort and many other signal formats. The inputinterface circuitry 511 can also be configured to receive inputs fromkeyboards, USB ports, IR actuated devices (e.g., remote controlinterfaces), and so on. In the depicted arrangement, the sourcetransmits an audio-video data stream 503 that includes audio signal andencoded timing information. In one example format, the data stream 503is encoded in an 8b/10b format. Moreover, this transmission format canbe a packet based format. The input interface circuitry 511 is typicallyconfigured as a system-on-a-chip designed to convert the received datainto a format or a timing compatible with a format or timing of adisplay panel 521. In some embodiments, a display system will have morethan one set of input interface circuitry 511 depending on thecharacteristics of the panel 521 or the network that the panel 521belongs to. For example, the panel 521 can be configured to operate at60 Hz, 120 Hz or even 240 Hz. Typically, a separate input interfaceprocessor 511 is provided for each operating frequency.

In some embodiments, the audio-video data stream 503 is an 8b/10bencoded signal received by the input interface circuitry 511. In someembodiments, the 8B/10B signal is transmitted (as 504) to a timingcontroller 523 without modification. Alternatively, can be converted toan 8 bit signal and then transmitted. Also, in some embodiments theinterface circuitry 511 can convert the signal to a differential signalsuch as a low voltage differential signal (LVDS). In other embodiments,the audio-video data stream 503 can be converted to other formats.

The input interface circuitry 511 is coupled to a timing controller(TCON) 523 of the panel 521 with a data link 512. The data stream 504output from the interface circuitry 511 is received by the TCON 523which processes the data and then outputs the information to an array ofcolumn drivers 522 which control the display of data on the panel 521.It should be noted that the TCON can receive the 8B/10B coded signal ora decoded 8 bit signal as well as differential signal from the inputinterface circuitry 511 as well as other non-differential signals. Inaddition, the TCON 523 transmits video information to the column drivers522 of the panel 522. The information can be transmitted in 8B/10Bformat, also, advantageously, it can be transmitted in a LVDS format.Other formats and encoding can be used. The inventors point out that theTCON and its function can be embodied in a system of a chipconstruction. In a related point, the applicants point out that theentire system 511, 512, 523, can be integrated onto a single chip in asystem on a chip fashion if so desired.

In accord with the present invention, power saving can be achieved byselectively turning off of various systems and circuitry duringoperation. In particular, these systems are turned off (or supplied lesspower) during the blanking intervals. It is expressly pointed out thatthe timing information can be obtained or identified at the inputinterface 511 or at the timing controller 523. Moreover, that the powersaving can be implemented at the input interface 511 or at the timingcontroller 523.

As further explained with respect to FIG. 6A, a first power savingembodiment is described. A source device 501 sends an audio-video datastream 503 in source data format over a data link 502 to an embodimentof input interface circuitry 511A. The data stream 503 includes videosignal and timing data. In the depicted embodiment, the input interfacecircuitry 511A receives the data stream 503 and then decodes it todetermine the blanking cycle for the decoded video signal which isschematically depicted as 503A. Timing extraction circuitry reads thedata stream and extracts the timing information usable for identifying ablanking parent. The timing extraction circuitry can form part of theinput interface 511 and also can form part of the timing controllers523. In this embodiment, the timing information is obtained byidentifying the blanking start (BS) symbols 504A and blanking end (BE)symbols 505A for the decoded signal 503A. These start and end symbols(504A, 505A) comprise timing information that can be used to establish ablanking cycle for the received data signal 504A. This timinginformation can be used to control the activity of the TCON 523. Inparticular, it can be used to generate a timing signal (schematicallydepicted by 602) that is provided to a TCON 523 which enables, amongother things, control of the line buffers and the shift registers andthe column drivers 522. Also, it controls the operation of the framebuffers and associated circuitry of the panel 521.

In this embodiment, the timing signal 602 is generated by the processingcircuitry of the input interface circuitry 511A. In one example, thesignal 602 can be received or generated by a GPIO 611. For example, thetiming signal 602 can be sent via an output pin of the GPIO 611 which iscoupled 601 with a pin of a GPIO 612 of the TCON 523A.

The timing signal 602 can now be used at the panel 521 to implementpower saving. During the blanking cycle, the TCON 523A can for examplebe turned off. The column drivers can be turned off or receive reducedpower. Other panel systems or logic blocks can also be turned off duringthe blanking periods of the timing signal 602 if desired.

The inventors point out that the input interface circuitry 511 (511A,511B) can be configured to transmit the received data stream 503 in itsoriginal format or convert it to another format. One particularlyadvantageous format suggested by the inventors is a low voltagedifferential signal (LVDS) which has numerous power saving advantagesand reduced EMI properties.

In another approach, outlined briefly with respect to a discussion ofFIG. 6C, the data received from the source device 501 can include powersaving instructions and/or include timing information encoded in asomewhat different manner. Again, using the timing information, powersaving can be achieved by the selective turning off of various systemsand circuitry during the blanking intervals.

With continued reference to FIG. 6B, source device 501 sends anaudio-video data stream 503 in source data format over a data link 502to an embodiment of input interface circuitry 511B. The data stream 503includes video signal and timing data. However, in the depictedembodiment the timing information is encoded into a Main StreamAttribute (MSA) packet(s) of a data stream 503. Examples of suchapproaches for formatting such MSA packets and the data transmissionmethodologies associated therewith are explained in greater detail in,for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/726,794 entitled“PACKET BASED VIDEO DISPLAY INTERFACE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF” filedDec. 2, 2003 already incorporated herein.

During a handshake protocol between the source 501 and display, theinput interface circuitry 511B receives configuration data from thesource during the protocol. The circuitry 511A decodes the data and usesinformation in the data stream to decode the received signal. Thisenables the circuitry 511A and/or the TCON 523A to be correctlyconfigured to properly display the video signal. In one particularapproach, the necessary configuration is provided to the input interfacecircuitry 511B in a MSA packet that is decoded in the handshakeprotocol. Specific to this embodiment, the MSA includes timinginformation that can be used to identify the timing for the blankingintervals.

The input interface circuitry 511B receives the data stream 503 anddecodes the MSA to determine the blanking cycle for the decoded videosignal which is schematically depicted as 503B. As shown in FIG. 6C, inone embodiment, the data stream 503B comprises a stream of transferunits 621 transmitted in the active portion of the data stream. This isbroken up by the vertical and horizontal blanking intervals. Here, theMSA 622 is inserted as one or more data packets in a vertical blankinginterval 623. As before, the blanking intervals are delineated byblanking start (BS) and blanking end (BE) markers. The remainder of theblanking interval 623 can contain other non-displayed data orinformation or can be filled with dummy data.

The MSA can comprise timing information that can be used to establish ablanking cycle for the received data signal. As before, this timinginformation contained with in the MSA can be used to control theactivity of the TCON 523B. In particular, it can be used to generate atiming signal (schematically depicted by 604) that is provided to a TCON523B which enables, among other things, control of the line buffers andthe shift registers and the column drivers 522 as well as the TCONitself. Also, it controls the operation of the frame buffers andassociated circuitry of the panel 521.

In this embodiment, the timing information can be encoded simply withinthe MSA 622. In one example, the MSA can include information defining aformat it can be coded as follows. A timing pattern can be indicated. Inone example, 1080p (or other display format) or some other format can bedesignated. A total vertical period (V_(total)) can be specified. Forexample, using a 1080 signal, V_(total) can be characterized as 1125lines with a displayable height V_(height) of 1080 for vertical blankingVblank of 45 line periods. Similarly, a total horizontal period(H_(total)) can be specified. For example, using a 1080 signal,H_(total) can be 2200 pixels with a displayable width H_(width) of 1920pixels such that the Hblank period is 300 pixels. This timing is alsotied to the refresh rates and capabilities of the panel. Many differentapproaches could be used.

During the blanking periods portions of the circuitry can be turned off.Referring briefly to FIG. 7, an audio-video source device 501 suppliesdata (including video data and associated timing information) to inputinterface circuitry 511 using a data link. The input interface circuitry511 is typically configured as a system-on-a-chip designed to convertthe received data into a format or a timing compatible with a format ortiming of a display panel 521. In some embodiments, the interfacecircuitry 511 forms part of a display device 701. Alternatively (asshown here), it is not required to be integral to the device 701. Theinput interface circuitry 511 includes signal transmission circuitry 711enabling transmission of the data stream to the timing controller 523 ofthe display device 701. The timing controller 523 includes receivercircuitry 721 for receiving the signal and timing information from theinput interface circuitry 511. The timing controller 523 includes aplurality of signal transmitters 712 transmitting video data to theplurality of column drivers 522 of the display panel 521. Each columndriver 522 includes receiver circuitry 722 for receiving the signal andtiming information from the controller 523. The timing controller 523and its concomitant circuitry (e.g., 712, 721, and so on) can beconfigured as a system on a chip. Each of the transmitters 711, 712 andreceivers 721, 722 consume power whether they are sending valid data ornot. These devices consume most of the power budget. Thus, power savingcan be achieved in accordance with the principles of the invention byturning off some or all of the transmitters 711, 712 and receivers 721,722 during the blanking periods.

The prior portions of this patent have disclosed methods for identifyingthe blanking periods. The transmitters 711, 712 and receivers 721, 722as well as other elements and logic blocks (e.g., the column drivers522) can be turned off during these identified blanking periods.Importantly, some, all, or none of these components can be turned off toobtain varying levels of power savings. The components are turned backon when they are needed to process, transmit, receive, or otherwiseinteract with data. This power saving can be specified as an automaticresponse forming part of the instruction set that operates the inputinterface circuitry 511, the timing controllers 523, or the columndrivers 522. Also, the power can be turned off in accordance with poweroff instructions provided by the source 501 or encoded into the datastream itself.

Also, as pointed out previously, this power saving can be achieved usingsystems where the communication between the TCON 523 and the columndrivers 522 is achieved with differential signaling. For example, theTCON 523 can transmit data to the column drivers 522 as low voltagedifferential signals (LVDS). In one embodiment, the LVDS can bedelivered in a serial data stream to all of the column drivers. Such anLVDS signal is compliant with the TIA/EIA 644 standard. Modes ofoperation of such systems are known in the art. For example, a FairchildSemiconductor Application Note entitled “AN-5017 LVDS Fundamentals”dated December 2000, available athttp://www.fairchildsemi.com/an/AN/AN-5017.pdf is instructive and herebyincorporated by reference.

For increased speed, the LVDS can be configured with a transmittercoupled with a plurality of column drivers in a multi-drop LVDSconnection. Such arrangements are also known in the industry. Forexample, a Texas Instruments Application Report by Elliott Cole entitled“LVDS Multidrop Connections” dated February 2002, available athttp://focus.ti.com/lit/an/slla054a/slla054a.pdf is also incorporated byreference.

In another implementation, each transmitter 712 of the timing controller523 is coupled with an associated column driver 722 in a parallelarrangement of point-to-point LVDS connections. In another approach, thetransmitters can be coupled with each column driver using amulti-channel packet based communication connection with embeddedself-clock. Each channel being characterized by uni-directional datapairs in a main link. Such a link can also feature a bi-directionalauxiliary channel. One example of such a link is a link compatible withthe DisplayPort family of connectors. In this implementation thetransmitted data can have 8B/10B channel coding.

The inventors point out that the TCON (523, 523A, 523B) can beconfigured as a system on a chip package. Also, the input interfacecircuitry 511 and the TCON (e.g., 523, 523A, 523B) can be integratedtogether in a single system on a chip package.

FIG. 8 depicts one example mode of operation for aspects of theinvention. A process 800 for achieving power saving during the operationis described. An audio-video data stream is received by a display device(Step 801). As indicated above, audio-video data stream (e.g., 503)includes an audio-video signal and timing information. The data can bein any format, but in one embodiment is subject 8B/10B encoding. Thereceiving device (typically a display device, or circuitry ancillary toa display) identifies the blanking pattern of the audio video data (Step803). This can be achieved by a direct read of the blanking pattern(i.e., processing the BS, BE indicators) to generate the blankingpattern. This can also be achieved by decoding of timing informationencoded in MSA packets of the audio-video signal. These can be read andtranslated into a blanking pattern associated with the video signal.Details of some embodiments of these approaches have been disclosed infuller detail in the preceding paragraphs. The inventors point out thatother methods of determining the blanking pattern can also be employed.

Power saving is then implemented (Step 805). In one embodiment, powersaving instructions can be employed to reduce display system powerconsumption during the blanking intervals of the audio video signal.Various system components of the display system are simply powered downduring the blanking interval and then powered up again for operationduring the active intervals between the blanking intervals. Examplesystem blocks that can be powered down during the operation of thedisplay include, but are not limited to the interface circuitry 511(e.g., 511A, 511B) the TCON 523 (e.g., 523A, 523B), the column drivers522, the receivers and transmitters (e.g., 711, 712, 721, 722). Thesepower down instructions can be simply standardized as part of the normaldisplay system operation. In other words, power to selected displaysystems can be temporarily terminated during blanking as part of theordinary system operation. Also, specific power down instructions can besent to a display device as part of the instructions contained in a datastream. Moreover, it can be configured to be adjusted as part of set upoperations. Also, such instructions can be coded into the audio videodata if desired. Thus, the power saving process can be automatic,selective, adjustable, and be determined remotely as instructionsforming part of the audio-video data. Such power save instructions canbe written into the firmware of the display systems or chips or can bepart of the system software.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention further relate tointegrated circuits and chips (including system on a chip (SOC)) and/orchip sets. By way of example, each of the devices described herein mayinclude an integrated circuit chip or SOC for use in implementing thedescribed embodiments and similar embodiments. Embodiments may alsorelate to computer storage products with a computer-readable medium thathas computer code thereon for performing various computer-implementedoperations. The media and computer code may be those specially designedand constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they maybe of the kind well known and available to those having skill in thecomputer software arts. Examples of tangible computer-readable mediainclude, but are not limited to: magnetic media such as hard disks,floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROMs andholographic devices; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; andhardware devices that are specially configured to store and executeprogram code, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),programmable logic devices (PLDs) and ROM and RAM devices. Examples ofcomputer code include machine code, such as produced by a compiler, andfiles containing higher level code that are executed by a computer usingan interpreter. Computer readable media may also be computer codetransmitted by a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave andrepresenting a sequence of instructions that are executable by aprocessor. In addition to chips, chip systems, and chip sets, theinvention can be embodied as firmware written to said chips and suitablefor performing the processes just described.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specificdetails are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, theforegoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present inventionare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatmany modifications and variations are possible in view of the aboveteachings.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated circuit package configured tooperate in a video display device, and package comprising: inputinterface circuitry configured to receive a packetized audio-video datastream having video signal including timing information associated withthe video signal; timing extraction circuitry configured to identify ablanking pattern for the video signal using the timing information, theblanking pattern comprising active periods and blanking periods, whereinthe blanking pattern is determined from a main stream attribute packetincluded in the packetized audio-video data stream; and timing controlcircuitry configured to implement a power saving process so that duringthe blanking periods of the video signal the power saving processinstructs selected systems associated with the video display toterminate powered operation during the blanking period, wherein thetiming control circuitry is configured to output the video signal as aserial signal to a plurality of column drivers.
 2. An integrated circuitpackage as recited in claim 1 wherein the timing extraction circuitryuses blanking start and blanking stop indicators of the video signal toidentify the blanking pattern for the video signal.
 3. An integratedcircuit package as recited in claim 2 wherein the package includes adedicated timing transmission pin for transmitting the blanking patternfor the video signal; and a dedicated timing receiver pin for receivingthe transmitted blanking pattern and forwarding the blanking pattern tothe timing control circuitry.
 4. The integrated circuitry package ofclaim 1, further including input processing circuitry configured toreceive an audio-video data input and convert the audio-video data inputinto a differential signal that is output as the audio-video stream. 5.The integrated circuit package of claim 4, wherein the input processingcircuitry converts the audio-video data input into a low voltagedifferential signal (LVDS).
 6. The integrated circuit package of claim4, wherein the package is configured to output the low voltagedifferential signal (LVDS) to the plurality of column drivers using aLVDS multi-drop bus.
 7. The integrated circuit package of claim 1,wherein the timing control circuitry is configured to output the videosignal as a plurality of point to point low voltage differential signalsusing a plurality of parallel connections that each deliver a portion ofthe video signal an associated one of a plurality of column drivers. 8.A video display system comprising; input processing circuitry configuredto, receive a packetized audio-video data stream having video signalincluding timing information associated with the video signal, andconvert the audio-video data stream to a differential video signal;timing extraction circuitry configured to identify a blanking patternfor the differential video signal using the timing information, theblanking pattern comprising active periods and blanking periods, whereinthe blanking pattern is determined from a main stream attribute packetincluded in the packetized audio-video data stream; timing controlcircuitry configured to synchronize and transmit the differential videosignal and to implement a power saving process so that during theblanking periods of the differential video signal the power savingprocess instructs selected systems associated with the video displaysystem to terminate powered operation during the blanking period; and aplurality of column drivers in communication with the timing controlcircuitry and configured to receive the differential video signal fromthe timing control circuitry.
 9. The system recited in claim 8 whereinthe timing extraction circuitry uses blanking start and blanking stopindicators of the differential video signal to identify the blankingpattern for the differential video signal.
 10. The system recited inclaim 8 wherein the timing control circuitry implements said powersaving by instructing the column drivers to terminate powered operationduring the blanking period.
 11. A method of implementing power saving inan integrated circuit package configured to operate in a video displaydevice, the method comprising: receiving a packetized audio-video datastream having including video signal and timing information associatedwith the video signal; identifying a blanking pattern for the videosignal using the timing information, the blanking pattern comprisingactive periods and blanking periods, wherein the blanking pattern isdetermined from a main stream attribute packet included in thepacketized audio-video data stream; and implementing power saving sothat during the blanking period of the video signal the power savingprocess enables selected systems to terminate powered operation duringat least a portion of the blanking period, wherein the method isimplemented in a display device including a timing controller and aplurality of column drivers and wherein said implementing of powersaving terminated powered operation of at least one of the timingcontroller and the plurality of column drivers during the blankingperiods.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the identifying a blankingpattern for the video signal using the timing information comprisesidentifying blanking start and blanking stop indicators of the videosignal and determining a blanking pattern using the blanking start andblanking stop indicators.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein theidentifying of blanking pattern for the video signal using the timinginformation comprises identifying the main stream attribute identifierin the video.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein at least one of thetiming controller and the plurality of column drivers receiveaudio-video signal as a low voltage differential signal.
 15. The methodof claim 14 wherein the low voltage differential signal is transmittedby transmitters of the timing controller and received by a plurality ofreceivers of the plurality of column drivers and wherein implementing ofpower saving terminates powered operation of at least one of thetransmitters of the timing controller and the plurality of receivers ofthe plurality of column drivers.
 16. A computer implementable method forimplementing power saving, the method embodied on a tangible computerreadable media and comprising non-transitory computer readableinstructions for: receiving a packetized audio-video data stream havingincluding video signal and timing information associated with the videosignal; identifying a blanking pattern for the video signal using thetiming information, the blanking pattern comprising active periods andblanking periods, wherein the blanking pattern is determined from a mainstream attribute packet included in the packetized audio-video datastream; implementing power saving so that during the blanking periods ofthe video signal the power saving process instructs selected displaysystems to terminate powered operation during at least a portion of theblanking period, wherein the instructions are implemented on a displaysystem including a timing controller and a plurality of column driversand wherein said instructions for implementing of power savingterminates powered operation of at least one of the timing controllerand the plurality of column drivers during the blanking periods.
 17. Thecomputer implementable method of claim 16 wherein the instructions foridentifying the blanking pattern comprises instructions for identifyingblanking start and blanking stop indicators of the video signal andinstructions for determining a blanking pattern using the blanking startand blanking stop indicators.
 18. The computer implementable method ofclaim 16 wherein the instructions for identifying the blanking patternfor the video signal using the timing information comprises identifyingthe main stream attribute identifier in the video signal.
 19. Thecomputer implementable method of claim 16 wherein at least one of thetiming controller and the plurality of column drivers receiveaudio-video signal as a low voltage differential signal and wherein thelow voltage differential signal is transmitted by transmitters of thetiming controller and received by a plurality of receivers of theplurality of column drivers and wherein the instructions forimplementing of power saving terminate powered operation of at least oneof the transmitters of the timing controller and the plurality ofreceivers of the plurality of column drivers.
 20. The computerimplementable method of claim 16 wherein the instructions areimplemented on an integrated circuit device of display system.
 21. Thecomputer implementable method of claim 16 wherein the computer readableinstructions are implemented as firmware on an integrated circuit.